Remote screening protocol for functioning and contextual factors (e-Followkids) in Brazilian children with biological risk in the first 2 years: A longitudinal prospective study

Abstract

Children with biological risk may experience developmental delays, even in the absence of brain injury. Identifying warning signs and knowledge of contextual factors are vital to favor intervention. Telehealth can aid in screening by providing access for populations that face physical and social barriers. As such, the aim of this study was to describe the e-Followkids screening protocol and how its feasibility will be assessed. A multicentric longitudinal prospective study with 80 caregivers of children born with some form of biological risk: preterm, low birth weight or perinatal complications. Screening will be conducted remotely at 12, 18 and 24 months old, using internationally recognized instruments with valid psychometric properties. The body structure and function component will be assessed using the Survey of Well-Being of Young Children (SWYC), functional abilities with the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory - Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT), and participation using the Young Children's Participation and Environment Measure (YC-PEM). Environmental factors will be analyzed using the Child’s Context questionnaire, the environment portion of each section of the YC-PEM, Social Support Scale, the physical dimension of the Affordances in the Home Environment for Motor Development scale, and sociodemographic data. The data will be collected by filling out electronic forms (body structure and function, functional skills and contextual factors), telephone interviews or video calls (participation measures).